Ergo Kommunikation specialises in corporate, financial and political comms. The partnership will operate under the name Edelman.ergo.

The deal is Edelman's fourth in Europe in 18 months.

As a combined entity, Edelman.ergo has around 350 employees serving more than 100 clients from offices in Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich, and a fee income of €35m, making it the fourth largest agency in the German market.

Susanne Marell, CEO Edelman Germany, who has overseen the acquisition, will become the CEO of Edelman.ergo. The two ergo founders and chief partners, Hans Ulrich Helzer and Tobias Mündemann, as well as the other key ergo associates, will also be part of the company’s senior leadership.

In Germany, Edelman focuses on brand and product communication and reputation management within the consumer and food industry, pharmaceutical, health services and IT sectors.

The new formation will allow the agency to offer a fully integrated comms service.

Richard Edelman, president and CEO of Edelman said: "The acquisition of ergo marks another milestone in Edelman’s successful strategy of becoming a fully integrated communications marketing agency. Prior to the acquisition of Ergo, Edelman Germany was noted for its marketing leadership and Ergo now brings world-class capabilities in corporate reputation and public affairs.

"Edelman has been in Germany for over 40 years and this additional investment confirms our confidence in the German economy and business innovation. This will be our fourth acquisition in Europe in the past 18 months as we partner with clients to evolve their businesses and brands in Europe and around the world."

ergo founders Hans Ulrich Helzer and Tobias Mündemann added: "The fact that the worldwide leading communications marketing agency has asked us to become a part of their network makes us incredibly proud. After 20 years of strengthening our position in Germany, this is a fantastic opportunity to take that next step, which will enable us to offer our clients access to a truly global network."

The acquisition is part of Edelman’s strategy to strengthen its European network and expand specialisms in core markets.